Ake plans talks over Chelsea future

Nathan Ake has told The Guardian he expects to holds talks with Chelsea about his future and that he wants to play regular first-team football.

Ake, 22, was recalled by Chelsea in January after impressing while on loan at Bournemouth, but he made only three Premier League appearances following his return.

It is unclear whether he is in boss Antonio Conte’s plans for next season, and he expects to speak to the Italian or technical director Michael Emenalo in the coming weeks.

Ake said: “When I was 17, 18, 19, you are happy you are going to be involved, or be on the bench, or get some minutes. But I think at my age now, you want to play a little bit more, also because I had a taste of it.

“Of course you also know this is a big club, so there will be big players and it’s not easy to come into the team.

“I just need to see what is going to happen with Michael or the manager. We have to talk and see what is best.”

Bournemouth tried to sign Ake on a permanent deal in January and on Tuesday completed the signing of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from the Blues.